If a user inputs the type of cleaning, hourly labor rate and frequency, this app can calculate annual time and cost, according to the listing.

The app can also complete basic conversions for liquid volumes, e.g. gallons, pints and quarts.

The other app is geared for the residential market but may offer useful options to commercial cleaners as well.

According to the listing, the app lets a user gather the basic customer information then log room types, sizes and time estimates; photos can be taken as well.

If a user records measurements, the total square footage will be listed along with any input production rate.

Initial cleaning charges can be logged, and additional services can be added for specialty cleaning tasks.

Inspection Apps

Finally, one company offers a number of service form and inspection report apps specifically for the professional cleaning industry.

With thousands of electronic forms available, this system offers managers and contractors a reduction in needed paperwork.

According to the company’s website, electronic forms are available for:

Janitorial inspections

Commercial cleaning checklists

Cleaning proposals

Carpet cleaning work orders

Janitorial bid proposals.

Another company’s free app option includes electronic inspection forms that are downloaded to the mobile device.

Using a phone or tablet, data can be input and filtered, and managers can rate services, take pictures, answer customer questions and take notes.

Further, the data can be uploaded and stored online where it is available to managers and clients; archived scores mean performance can be monitored over a certain length of time.

Just A Sample

For facility managers and BSCs looking to automate their workflow and increase productivity and results, these app options are just the tip of the iceberg.

The question today isn’t whether an app exists that can help cleaning professionals; the question is finding the best option in a growing multitude of programs.

Professional colleagues, industry resources and distributors all may have helpful app suggestions.

In the modern JanSan market, proven timesavers may be the difference between treading water and improving production.

Phillip Lawless is Editor of Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine; he can be reached at PLawless@GrandViewMedia.com. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lawless has over 13 years of professional writing and editing experience.